He lived his life with kindness, generosity and was the most loving man in the world. He was an Army veteran.

In his earlier years, he worked construction and helped build the Verrazano Bridge, which connects Brooklyn, N.Y., to Staten Island, N.Y.

He also owned a rowboat business and a lobster house. In his later years, he worked at Public School 52 with his best friend, George (Skinny) Johnson.

He is survived by his devoted daughter, Denice Semente; his son, Richard M. McCandless; his son-in-law, Anthony (Tony) Semente; his granddaughters, Candice Diane Semente and Cassandra Deanna Semente — he was their "Poppy"; his beloved kid brother, Timothy Baker of California; his "best friend," George Johnson of Florida; and his dog, Baron, his buddy.

His daughter, Denice's statement read: "Dad, it has been an honor to take care of you all these years — Mommy was so happy that you were well taken care of by me, who appreciated and loved you so much my whole life. Rest in peace, the strongest man in the world, my 'hero,' 'My' Daddy."